Saturday morning Brianna took her 7th plane ride (4th roundtrip). We used our time in the terminal entertaining the waiting passengers with walking practice for Brianna.
People keep telling us she’ll be walking anyday now, since she’s such an avid cruiser, stairclimber, and free-stander, but I’m not so sure.
Crawling is definitely the preferred mode of travel.
No luck on getting her an empty seat – full flight. Fortunately we sat next to a kind, tolerant older gentleman who didn’t mind Brianna climbing all over him and trying to rip off his mustache and sweater buttons.
Previous plane trips were easier because she was less mobile and aware of her surroundings. Not anymore – we wrestled with our wiggler for the whole 2 hours. The name of the game was DISTRACTION. Plastic cups of ice worked well. Though a messy potential choking hazard, she loves ice in the o-shape.
We arrived and went straight to grab our rental car. Thank you, employee discount!
Brianna entertained herself with the discovery of a potted plant – a favorite.
Then we caught up with the fam at Seaworld.
Shamu was breathtaking, the seals were hilarious, the weather was perfect, and Brianna was amazingly pleasant considering her atypical surroundings and nonexistent nap/feeding schedule. But that’s what vacations are for, right? To totally mess up your baby’s routine. She literally fell dead asleep within a minute of being buckled into her carseat at the end. Brianna was a little unsure about being passed off to her Nonny and Papa. She has only seen them 4 times in her life (which I think is pretty good, considering they live 700 miles away). But she warmed up by the end. Someday she will know them and be as madly in love with them as their cousins are. How could you not love Nonny and Papa?! They are wonderfully fabulous grandparents.
The aquariums at Seaworld were fascinating – Brianna loved the piranhas.
The 4D show was fun, until cold water started squirting everywhere.
Brianna didn’t appreciate that.
They have one big rollercoaster there – Brian and I took turns going down (Brianna didn’t meet the height requirement). I don’t know if you can see him in this pic… it was right after the big drop - water was spraying the camera. We stayed til the very end of the night, so we had no lines!
We stayed up WAY too late that night at our beachhouse we rented. It was Jenny’s fault – she brought out the puzzle. I couldn’t stop. Brian had to drag me away after midnight. Fortunately Brianna let me sleep in Sunday morning. Oh wait – BRIAN let me sleep in – he took baby duty!
When I finally rolled out, I discovered my baby covered in sand and was told stories of her sand-filled breakfast, washed off by a bull dog licking her face.
(click on the pic to look close at her sandy-face – I think it’s hilarious).
A major highlight was getting to see my friend from High School, Malerie, and her husband and darling daughter Madeline. We went to their ward (guided by a blessed GPS). When we left, Brian said to me, “seriously, that is the second cutest baby girl I’ve ever seen in my life.” Pictures just don’t do some kids justice. It’s been SIX years since I saw Mal – amazing how time flies! And how relationships just stay the same even after so many years.
We stopped at the San Diego LDS temple on the way home…GOR-GE-OUS!
It just pops up all of a sudden from the freeway and takes your breath away. We wanted to get family pics, but Brianna was doing her Sabbath resting.
The rest of Sunday was spent playing with the family.
BEACHTIME!
Monday was supposed to be ZOO day…. but we elected to skip it and have another BEACH day! It just doesn’t make sense to spend all the time and money going to see a bunch of animals sleeping in the far corners of their cages. I’d rather spend our day soaking in the vitamin D…
My favorite part was boogie boarding. Even though the water was super cold, it’s all mind over matter. I’ll put up with the chilly ocean to enjoy playing in the waves. I think I swallowed about a galloon of salt water.
All of Nonny and Papa’s GRANDKIDS were there! In chronological order: Connor, Noah, Kiya, Annalee, Cooper, Devin, Cougar, Lincoln, Nathan, Brianna, McKay, and Dean. Elizabeth is there in Spirit, of course.
The last four are all within a year of each other! Brianna will have to be tough to play with all her boy cousins as they grow up.
Brianna often begged to go outside.
Brian made breakfast!
Mom brought her top-secret DVD trailer to show. I’m not supposed to tell anyone that she and dad are going to break into primetime TV.
Mom borrowed my jumprope. I had a picture of her using it on here, but she made me take it off because she thinks it's a bad pic. It wasn't. She looked cute. But she threatened to disown me, and I'd really miss her during the holidays.
Nathan and Brianna were very impatient for their food. Guess what – this rental beachhouse came with two highchairs, two pack n’ plays, the rolling exersaucer, cruiser bikes, beach toys, and all kitchen/bathroom supplies! We all agreed we would go back again.
Lindsay and I enjoyed biking up and down Mission Boulevard. Crazy sights to see.
Attempts at family pictures:
The flight home was another circus – trying to entertain Brianna and keep her in one spot…though she managed to crawl under the seats to visit our neighbors. It’s interesting to see how babies delight some, and annoy others. Plastic cups worked as a successful distraction.
The long journey home was bittersweet – I was glad to get back to real life, but I reallyreallyreally enjoyed being with my family. Thanks, Smiths, for one of the best vacations ever!
10 comments:
I was waiting for some pictures! It was SO good to see you and when you said it had been like 6 years I couldn't believe it. You guys look right at home on the beach. I think another trip is in order in the near future :) To be honest, I didn't want to intrude on the family reunion by demanding to come see you. So I'm so glad you dropped by our ward. Brianna is a doll and such a smarty. I'm so glad I got to meet her. I wish we could get the girls together like every week! I'm glad you guys had fun. We love San Diego, too!
It looks like you guys had a great time and those were some great pictures that you took. Brianna is really cute and she is really growing up. Her brown eyes are beautiful.
Looks like alot of fun! I love the pics of Brianna on the plane. How hilarious!
JEALOUS! I'm glad that you guys had so much fun. -VAL
Chelsea! Thanks for the comments... I tried to post those quiz results/links, but, alas, my blogging skills as of yet are completely lacking! =) It's nice to get in touch with people on here again-- I didn't realize so many people were into blogging! Your daughter is absolutely adorable; you look like you couldn't be happier! Congratulations on all of that.
I love the sandy face - LOL - classic! Glad you could be at the beach - at least someone could!!!
Good thing someone documents our travels! Good job. I did see an emphasis on your family - that is okay though - you are very cute and the rest of them pretty much look a lot like you! there was one picture Brian that looked like Brady from a distance. so that worked. I will try to keep track of Dave and Jenny's plans - so we can tag along!
soooooooooooooo fun! boy I need a vacation...though just with ben and I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are long gaps between your pictures - probably no one else will tell you this. Thank you for removing the jump rope shot - bring your rope and we will do it again at Christmas!
It really was "fun, fun, fun in that warm CA sun"!
So fun!! I want to go back to San Diego!! My sister and her family lived there for a few years while her husband was in law school, we haven't been there since they moved back to AZ. My girls still talk about Shamu! Good Times!
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